Chapter 24

Mes could swear to the heavens that he had never eaten such a delicious breakfast in his life.

Although what was placed on the old wooden table was just some very ordinary white bread, beef, and vegetable soup, compared to the days of eating dried meat slices and drinking cold spring water, this was almost as good as a royal feast.

"Praise the great Holy Soul, thank the Holy Soul for giving us food..."

This was probably Mes's most devout pre-meal prayer. However, before he could finish expressing his gratitude, a voice came over.

"Who would have thought, Mr. Mes, you are actually a believer."

Hearing this, Mes hurriedly opened his eyes and saw Rhod and Rizet coming down the stairs and sitting in front of him. The young man still had a calm expression, and it was impossible to tell if he was being sarcastic or sincere, so the fat merchant could only give an awkward smile.

"Well... there is always gratitude for food, it has nothing to do with being a believer or not..."

Saying this, the fat merchant clearly did not intend to dwell on this trivial matter, so he quickly changed the subject.

"What are your plans next?"

In response to the fat merchant's inquiry, Rhod did not answer immediately. He first signaled for two breakfasts, then spoke.

"What about you, Mr. Mes?"

"Me?"

Hearing Rhod's question, Mes was taken aback, then he lowered his head and slumped his shoulders.

"In my case, I can only go to Deepstone City to apologize to the buyer and compensate for their loss. Sigh, this time was really unlucky. Not only did I lose the goods, but I also have to pay a large sum of money. My luck is really not good..."

"I'm sorry..."

Hearing this, Rizet looked apologetic. It was understandable, after all, it was her mercenary group that was responsible for protecting the merchant and his goods. Now that the goods were lost, it could be said that they had not completed their task well. Although many people would see this as an accident, as a very responsible person, Rizet could not just let it go.

"No, no, no, this is not just your problem, Miss Rizet, I also made a mistake."

Perhaps because he was back in a peaceful environment, Mes did not seem as nervous as before and showed his shrewd and capable side as a merchant.

"If I had known that kind of thing would happen in that place, I would never have agreed to it. Sigh, but it's a bit late to say that now. The fact that I can sit here alive and not become dinner for those terrifying beasts in the forest is all thanks to you two."

Saying this, the fat merchant paused, and for the first time, a sincere smile appeared on his face. Then he reached into his chest and took out two money bags.

"This is your reward, Miss Rizet. Thank you for saving my life several times. Without you, I probably wouldn't be alive now."

"No, no, no, this is what I should do, after all, we took your money..."

Seeing the money bags the fat merchant pushed over, Rizet quickly jumped up, shaking her hands nervously. But Mes, being a seasoned businessman, did not let her finish before turning his gaze to Rhod, who was sitting beside her.

"Mr. Rhod, especially you... To be honest, without you, we probably wouldn't have been able to get out of the Twilight Forest. I know this money is not much for a noble, but please accept it as a token of my gratitude."

"There's no need to be so polite, Mr. Mes."

Rhod glanced at the money bags but did not reach for them.

"You also saved my life. If you hadn't ordered the ship to stop, I would have become a beast's meal long ago. So, you can keep the money."

"About that..."

Hearing Rhod's words, Mes looked troubled. He could be firm with Rizet, but he did not dare to be with this young man. In fact, the money was not just a reward but also a way to build a relationship with Rhod. Although the fat merchant wanted Rhod to accept it, he did not dare to force him too much, for fear of causing dissatisfaction. As a merchant, he had dealt with many nobles and knew that they valued face, dignity, and status highly. Especially talented young people like Rhod, who often had high self-esteem and some quirks. So, he did not insist as he did with Rizet but instead gave a slightly awkward smile and took out a small silver badge from his chest.

"Since Mr. Rhod, you say that, I won't insist. Please accept this badge. It is a token of our Silver Hand Guild. Although our guild is not very powerful on the Dragon Soul Continent, we do have some standing. If you need anything from us in the future, please don't hesitate to ask, and we will do our best to help."

This time, Rhod did not refuse the offer, and in fact, this was what he was waiting for.

Rhod clearly understood the merchants' thinking. In their view, money was often more important than anything else, even their own lives could be bought and sold with money. The money he offered was just a token of gratitude for saving his life, but the matter would end there after the transaction.

But this was not what Rhod wanted. He had his own goals, and to achieve them, he needed some help. Mes's guild might not be a powerful organization, but as a guild, it had a network of relationships and trade that Rhod could not match. Therefore, making them owe him a long-term favor was a very good deal.

Mes, of course, did not think that Rhod would have designs on him. He still firmly believed that the young man in front of him was a noble of high status and wealth. People like him would not have the interest to curry favor. This was a beautiful misunderstanding.

Rhod, of course, did not mind letting this misunderstanding continue.

After that, the three of them talked about some trivial matters and then discussed their plans. To Mes's delight, Rhod and Rizet also planned to go to Deepstone City. It was not surprising that Rizet wanted to go to Deepstone City, as her mercenary group's base was there. This time, Carter took on Mes's escort mission partly because it was a good opportunity to return home. As for Rhod's choice, it surprised Mes. Especially when he heard that Rhod had joined Rizet's mercenary group, he was so shocked that he could not speak for a while.

Mes was not unaware of Rizet's situation. After all, he had chosen her mercenary group, so he knew what was going on. He also knew that the mercenary group was likely to be finished now. However, this was not his concern. After all, he had already paid enough money, and as a Spirit Master, Rizet would not have any problems wherever she went. If she really had nowhere to go, Mes did not mind taking her into the guild. Spirit Masters were very important and in demand, which was not a bad thing for Mes.

However, he never thought that this seemingly weak and indecisive girl would decide to persevere.

This was a very difficult and dangerous thing to do.

Mes wanted to dissuade her, but with Rhod standing beside her, he did not dare to say too much. In his view, this young noble probably joined the mercenary group just for fun. After all, he was not lacking in strength, money, or status, and was very different from ordinary mercenaries. And... maybe it had something to do with Rizet? Looking closely, the girl was quite cute and beautiful...

Mes, of course, did not dare to say such things directly, and as an outsider, he had no right to meddle in their affairs. So, he only promised Rizet that if she had any difficulties, she could come to him, and he would do his best to help within his means—originally, he did not want to do this, but after realizing the possible relationship between the two, Mes thought it was a good idea to build a good relationship with the girl.

After finishing breakfast and confirming their next goal, Mes and Rizet said their goodbyes and left. Mes went to find a carriage to Deepstone City, while Rizet, as usual, began preparing supplies for the three of them—unlike in the Twilight Forest, she could now prepare properly.

Both of them went about their business, while Rhod had some free time. Although Rizet had told him to rest, Rhod clearly had no intention of doing so and went for a walk after eating.

Walking through the quiet town and looking at the scenery, Rhod could not help but feel a bit nostalgic. In the game, this place was a gathering spot for new players, and adventurers could be seen everywhere. They either shouted for team missions or sold rare equipment they had obtained. In Rhod's memory, this place was always bustling and lively. But now, without players, the town revealed a peaceful and serene atmosphere.

However, this peace was soon broken.

Noisy voices came from a corner of the street, and Rhod looked up curiously. He saw four people arguing intensely by a carriage. One was a young man in fine clothes, and two looked like guards. Standing in front of them, arguing heatedly, was none other than Mes, who had just left the inn.

What happened?

Rhod frowned and walked over to the four people.

"Don't think you're great just because you have a bit of money. My master is giving you face!"

"Right, just a merchant, you don't even know how to take a compliment!"

"Ha, what master? Just a third-rate noble. Do you really think our guild is easy to bully?"

"Hey, you fatso, I think you're tired of living!!"

The argument grew louder, but Rhod remained calm. He scanned the surroundings and then came to the fat merchant, who was spitting out saliva, and lightly patted his shoulder.

"What's going on, Mr. Mes?"

"Who? Even if you find more help... Ah!! Lord Rhod!"

Mes, who was cursing, turned around and, upon seeing Rhod, his expression immediately changed from a Siberian blizzard to a tropical rainforest's warm sunshine.

"You came just in time..."

True to his nature as a merchant, Mes's attitude did a 180-degree turn upon seeing Rhod. It was hard to associate the meek and humble man now with the arrogant fat merchant from earlier. However, Mes clearly knew the current situation, so without waiting for Rhod to say more, he began to explain the situation in detail.

The matter was not complicated. Full of determination, Mes quickly found a carriage, and they agreed on a price and time. Just as Mes was about to leave, these three people suddenly appeared, also wanting to rent the carriage. Their attitude was arrogant, which provoked Mes's anger. Normally, a merchant should be polite and make money, but Mes had been very unlucky lately, losing a shipload of goods, and was already in a bad mood. Now, with someone provoking him, he could not help but lash out, and the argument began.

Ximutown was just a small town with only one carriage. Mes wanted to make a good impression on Rhod and could not let the carriage go. The other party seemed to have urgent business and refused to back down, even to the point where the two impatient guards were ready to draw their swords. They thought Mes, a merchant, would be intimidated by weapons. However, this only made the fat merchant angrier. "I've seen wild wolves and ghosts these past few days, why would I be afraid of you two mere guards?"

As a result, both sides were at an impasse, neither willing to give in.

I see.

After learning the details from the fat merchant, Rhod nodded slightly, indicating his understanding.

However, before Rhod could say anything, one of the guards suddenly drew his sword and pointed it at Rhod.

"Who are you! Daring to meddle in our affairs!"